Best Campgrounds near Hockessin, DE

Camping options around Hockessin, Delaware include several established campgrounds within driving distance of this northern Delaware community. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in nearby Coatesville, Pennsylvania and Lums Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware provide the closest developed camping facilities, both within 30 minutes of Hockessin. These campgrounds accommodate various camping styles with tent and RV sites, plus cabin options. The region features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds offering year-round or seasonal availability, with most facilities concentrated along waterways like Brandywine Creek and Lums Pond.

Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer months and weekends. The Philadelphia-West Chester KOA operates from April through November, while Lums Pond State Park and several other nearby facilities remain open year-round. Water and electric hookups are standard at most locations, with full-hookup sites available for RVs at select campgrounds. The terrain throughout the region is generally rolling with some riverside locations subject to occasional flooding or mud. A visitor noted of the West Chester KOA: "The tent sites are right along the creek which is nice. The only tiny drawback is the bathroom is kind of far from the sites, up a steep hill."

Waterfront sites consistently receive positive feedback from campers staying in the area. The Brandywine River and Lums Pond provide scenic backdrops for many camping locations, with fishing, paddling, and swimming opportunities during warmer months. Campgrounds like Brandywine Creek Campground offer spacious tent sites along the water, providing pleasant natural sounds and views. Family-friendly amenities are common at the larger established campgrounds, with swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities available at locations like the Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. A recent review of Brandywine Creek Campground mentioned, "The tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view." Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region balance natural settings with convenient access to Philadelphia, Wilmington, and other nearby attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Hockessin, Delaware (102)

    1. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $27 - $45 / night

    "Great place to stay and check out “Lower, slower Delaware.”"

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    2. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 486-0447

    $59 - $86 / night

    "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45’ motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle."

    "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."

    3. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    "Surrounding area
    There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

    4. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $24 - $122 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "If you want starlink, stay toward the entrance of the loop for a good view of the sky. If you want to be away from everyone and don't need a site that has good accessibility, stay in C27."

    5. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

    7. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families. The staff are friendly and welcoming."

    "They also have a catch and release pond and we found a pickleball court at a nearby city park."

    8. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 610-4505

    "We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."

    "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."

    9. Brandywine Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 942-9950

    "Girlfriend and I stayed here while we visited nearby Longwood Gardens. The tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view."

    "Close to Valley Forge military park, and convenient to Philadelphia by train."

    10. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 383-3812

    $15 - $50 / night

    "This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."

    "Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."

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Recent Reviews near Hockessin, DE

740 Reviews of 102 Hockessin Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.


Guide to Hockessin

Camping near Hockessin, Delaware, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like French Creek State Park Campground, have great trails. One reviewer mentioned, “Hiking and biking this park is fun.”
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Elk Neck State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper shared, “The Susquehanna river is full of every kind of fish imaginable!”
  • Exploring Nature: Campers at Lums Pond State Park Campground can enjoy the serene environment. One visitor noted, “Peaceful state park. Clean facilities and lots of room to spread out.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Assateague State Park Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A happy camper said, “The bath houses are always clean and well stocked.”
  • Wildlife: Many campers enjoy seeing wildlife. One reviewer at Bayside Assateague Campground mentioned, “I never used the bathhouses... but the wild horses are amazing.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Lake-In-Wood Campground offer activities for all ages. A family shared, “The playground was great. Lots of activities.”

What you should know

  • Site Availability: Some campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Cape Henlopen State Park Campground said, “Love this campground. Very hard to snag a spot for a weekend.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. One visitor at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground noted, “The bathroom is older, but ok.”
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Hickory Run State Park Campground mentioned, “We tent camped in November so it was very very cold.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. One family at Blue Rocks Family Campground said, “The playground was great. Lots of activities.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Killens Pond State Park Campground shared, “We enjoyed the kayaks and the water park which we thought were very enjoyable for the kids.”
  • Pack Games: Bring outdoor games to keep kids entertained. One reviewer at Tuckahoe State Park Campground noted, “A lot of walking trials, and a pond to fish in.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Dimensions: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Hershey RV and Camping Resort mentioned, “I made a reservation months in advance, but it only guaranteed me a site.”
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level. A visitor at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground said, “Some sites weren’t level front to back so adjustments needed to be made to level camper.”
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Susquehanna State Park Campground appreciated the “pump out station was very nice.”

Camping around Hockessin, Delaware, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hockessin, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hockessin, DE offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Hockessin, DE and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Hockessin, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hockessin, DE is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 48 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hockessin, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Hockessin, DE.